LIONS TAKING OVER
Juniors enjoy chance to meet elite Aussie Rules players
AUSSIE RULES:
The Brisbane Lions have wrapped up the latest instalment of the AFL Community Camps in Toowoomba.
The two-day visit saw Daniel McStay, Marcus Adams, Callum AhChee, Jacob Allison, Connor Ballenden, Hugh McCluggage, Connor McFayden, Daniel Rich, Ely Smith, Brandon Starcevich, Alex Witherden and James Madden visit schools, one church and a hospital across the region.
For McCluggage, the opportunity to spread knowledge of the game throughout Toowoomba was something he and his teammates have relished.
“In the schools, they’ve all been awesome. They really try and take on board what you teach,” he said.
“Up here (in Queensland) it’s quite different, because most of the kids are used to rugby and different sports.
“Some pick up an AFL ball and try to throw it and we have to sort of slow it down and guide them to use their fist to handball it, but it’s all good fun and they’re really good kids.
“We’re competing a lot with the other codes throughout
Queensland, so to be able to get out here and hopefully get a few kids thinking about AFL and going home and asking their parents if they can get involved in the programs is really important for the development of football in Queensland.”
McCluggage said there was a clear pathway for juniors in the region to work their way into the frame for higher honours.
TO BE ABLE TO GET OUT HERE AND HOPEFULLY GET A FEW KIDS THINKING ABOUT AFL AND GOING HOME AND ASKING THEIR PARENTS IF THEY CAN GET INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAMS IS REALLY IMPORTANT FOR DEVELOPMENT
“Auskick programs are really good and the AFL do a great job in offering that,” he said.
“We’ve got the academy all throughout Queensland and they come and train with us at times.
“We’ve had a few kids come through and play NEAFL for the Lions from Toowoomba and surrounding areas which is really good to see.
“It shows that junior programs are doing the right thing and bringing kids in.”
Game development and talent manager – Darling Downs Jeff Neumann said that the reach of the visits was able to exceed 1500, giving vital access to the elite players of the game.
“From an AFL point of view, partnering up with the Brisbane Lions, it’s pretty important to bring the higher level content to the regional areas and inspire that next generation of boys and girls coming through,” Neumann said.
“We’ve had a big couple of days with about 1500 schoolboys and girls and 150 at a multicultural camp at HumeRidge (Church).
“It’s been terrific from the school visits to community and even our function to kickstart the footy season.
“The boys visit between 20 and 25 schools, which is a great way to begin the season which isn’t too far away.”
“Any opportunity that a boy or girl at school level has got to meet an elite athlete gives them that little bit of inspiration, so maybe the next Marcus Adams or Hugh McCluggage is out there.”
HUGH MCCLUGGAGE